Air Pollution and Inflammation in Myocardial Infarction Survivors
Author Information
Author(s): Rückerl Regina, Greven Sonja, Ljungman Petter, Aalto Pasi, Antoniades Charalambos, Bellander Tom, Berglind Niklas, Chrysohoou Christina, Forastiere Francesco, Jacquemin Bénédicte, von Klot Stephanie, Koenig Wolfgang, Küchenhoff Helmut, Lanki Timo, Pekkanen Juha, Perucci Carlo A., Schneider Alexandra, Sunyer Jordi, Peters Annette
Primary Institution: GSF National Research Centre for Environment and Health
Hypothesis
Particulate air pollution might induce systemic inflammation in myocardial infarction survivors.
Conclusion
Results indicate an immediate response to particle number concentration on the IL-6 level, possibly leading to increased fibrinogen levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Pooled results show an increase in IL-6 when concentrations of PNC were elevated 12–17 hr before blood withdrawal.
- Five day cumulative exposure to PM10 was associated with increased fibrinogen concentrations.
- Results remained stable for smokers, diabetics, and patients with heart failure.
- No consistent associations were found for CRP.
Takeaway
Breathing in polluted air can make people who have had heart attacks feel worse by increasing certain inflammation markers in their blood.
Methodology
A prospective longitudinal study comparing blood markers with air pollution levels in six European cities.
Potential Biases
Variations in air pollution mixtures and patient characteristics across cities may introduce bias.
Limitations
Some biomarkers may be affected by health-related events like infections or surgeries.
Participant Demographics
Participants were myocardial infarction survivors aged 35-80 from six European cities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.0–4.6
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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